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Alabama Health Officials Caution Against Possible Adverse Reactions to Antibiotic Injections


On Tuesday, Alabama health authorities informed the public about potential adverse reactions linked to an antibiotic injection following 11 reports of negative outcomes.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) stated that it is examining reports of “symptoms consistent with anaphylactic reactions, including hives, itching, low blood pressure, and lack of oxygen” that occurred after the ceftriaxone antibiotic injection, commonly known by the brand name Rocephin.

The department issued a notice to Rocephin providers, urging them to report any suspected reactions to the medication.

“Although no direct connection between ceftriaxone and these reactions has been confirmed, the ADPH will persist in its efforts to safeguard the health of Alabama residents by investigating, addressing, and updating relevant information as necessary,” the ADPH remarked in a statement to The Epoch Times.

Rocephin is an antibiotic prescribed for bacterial infections such as meningitis, endocarditis, pneumonia, and respiratory tract infections.

“Those under investigation had various underlying health conditions, and no definitive causal link between ceftriaxone and these reactions has been identified at this time,” the ADPH stated.

The symptoms were effectively managed using anaphylaxis treatment protocols, according to the ADPH.

The ADPH is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (HQP) and other health partners out of “an abundance of caution” to investigate any potential “epidemiologic connections” between the antibiotic and possibly other medications, such as steroids commonly administered alongside antibiotics in clinical settings.

“As this investigation continues, it’s important to remember that, like any injectable antibiotic, allergic reactions may occur, and proper monitoring and response measures should be enacted,” the ADPH emphasized.

Injectables like Rocephin can lead to allergic reactions in 0.5% to 2.5% of patients.

The CDC’s HQP tracks information on healthcare-associated infections and drug-resistant infections, along with the medications used to treat them.

The division conducts research to discover new strategies for preventing infections and related adverse events or medical mistakes, focusing on issues tied to medical or surgical procedures, indwelling medical devices, contaminated products, dialysis, and water.

It also partners with public health organizations like the ADPH to design, develop, and assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing infections, improving antibiotic use, and reducing healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, sepsis, and connected adverse events or medical errors.



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